Association between Decreased Social Participation and Depressive Symptom Onset among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed restrictions on people's social behavior. However, there is limited evidence regarding the relationship between changes in social participation and depressive symptom onset among older adults during the pandemic. We examined the association between changes in social participation and the onset of depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design This was a longitudinal study. Setting Communities in Minokamo City, a semi-urban area in Japan. Participants We recruited community-dwelling older adults aged >= 65 years using random sampling. Participants completed a questionnaire survey at baseline (March 2020) and follow-up (October 2020). Measurements Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Two-Question Screen. Based on their social participation status in March and October 2020, participants were classified into four groups: continued participation, decreased participation, increased participation, and consistent non-participation. Results A total of 597 older adults without depressive symptoms at baseline were analyzed (mean age = 79.8 years; 50.4% females). Depressive symptoms occurred in 20.1% of the participants during the observation period. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis showed that decreased social participation was significantly associated with the onset of the depressive symptoms, compared to continued participation, after adjusting for all covariates (incidence rate ratio = 1.59, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-2.50, p = 0.045). Conclusion Older adults with decreased social participation during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a high risk of developing depressive symptoms. We recommend that resuming community activities and promoting the participation of older adults, with sufficient consideration for infection prevention, are needed to maintain mental health among older adults.

Automated summary

This study examined the relationship between changes in social participation and the onset of depressive symptoms among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings showed a significant association between decreased social participation and depressive symptom onset. Therefore, promoting community activities and encouraging participation among older adults are recommended to maintain mental health during the pandemic.